Run tribute to cancer victims

A DAUGHTER is running the London Marathon in aid of the Palliative Care East appeal in memory of her aunt and uncle who lost their lives to cancer.

Nicola Blyber was inspired to raise money for the appeal by her mother Yvonne Jarmin of Gorleston, following the deaths of her sister Lillian Springall, from Halvergate, and brother Don Curtis, from Hopton.

A DAUGHTER is running the London Marathon in aid of the Palliative Care East appeal in memory of her aunt and uncle who lost their lives to cancer.

Nicola Blyber was inspired to raise money for the appeal by her mother Yvonne Jarmin of Gorleston, following the deaths of her sister Lillian Springall, from Halvergate, and brother Don Curtis, from Hopton.

The 41-year-old, who lives in Wiltshire, is hoping to raise hundreds of pounds for the appeal and believes a centre dedicated to palliative care in the Yarmouth and Waveney area would provide patients with much-needed support.

She said: “I think a purpose-built centre would be better for people because people will get the best treatment for the type of cancer they are suffering. I would imagine that people would also go there knowing that others at the centre are in the same situation.

“I think that would help tremendously knowing that you are not the only one going through an illness.”

The marathon on April 13 will be Nicola's third and she said training had been going “very well”, adding that she was amazed at the strength of local support for the Palliative Care East appeal. She said: “Supporting the appeal was really my mum's idea and the response has been fantastic. It's something my mum feels very strongly about.”

If you would like to support Nicola, see the how to help panel on this page.

Donations big and small continue to pour in, bringing the total amount raised to almost £400,000.

Barbara Aldous and staff from Asco are pictured presenting a cheque to the palliative care team for £3,000. From left is Denise Berrisford, Macmillan nurse, Michelle Crump, Macmillan nurse, Jennifer Bugg, palliative care team secretary, three members of staff from Asco and Dr Jenny Mallion. The money was raised by staff holding a variety of activities.

A sponsored dog walk on Gorleston seafront raised more than £700. Appeal co-ordinator Jenny Westgate said she was

“very impressed” with the turnout despite the icy weather. She said: “More than 30 dogs took part in the walk and I must say a big thank- you to everyone who braved

the heavy snow on East Monday.”

Forthcoming money-spinning events include an Italian evening tonight at the Italian Restaurant in Yarmouth, and the Somerleyton Charity Fun Walk, organised by Yarmouth Rotary Club, on May 18.

The Hotel Victoria in Lowestoft will host a Spring into Fashion show supported by Chadds on Tuesday which will be followed by a lunch when retired hospital surgeon Hugh Sturzaker will give a talk about the history of the hospital, the palliative care appeal and the need for the new unit.

The event starts at 11am, with coffee at 10.30am and lunch at 12.30pm. Admission is £13.50 and Chadds is giving £5 store vouchers to all who attend.